Game apparatus.



Patented Jan. 2, I900. F. G. SLEMMER.

msnmsrm. n. c.

mg Nomus PEYERS c0. PNQTILLIYH GAME APPARATUS.

(Application filed May 13, 1899) (M0 Model.)

Enquiries artar FRANK G. SLEMMER, OF CENTREVILLE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TO MILTON ll. SliEhUiER AND IDA T. SLEMMER, OF SAME PLACE.

GAWl l5 APPARATUS.

SPEGIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 640,423, dated January 2, 1900.

Application filed May 18,1899. Serial No. 716,715- (No model-i .To (LZZ whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, FRANK G. SLEMMER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Centreville, in the county of Queen Anne and State of Maryland, have invented a new and useful Game Apparatus, of which the follow ing is a specification.

This invention relates to games similar to the ordinary game of pool, being especially adapted as an outdoor game,and employs balls and mallets, as in the game of croquet.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved form of inclosing frame having exit-passages for the balls and guides to aid the player in placing the balls through the exitopenings.

To this end the present invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully described, shown in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claim.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of the inclosing frame of the apparatus. Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of one of the sections of the frame. Fig. 3 is a detail view showing the manner of connecting the separate sections of the frame.

Corresponding parts are designated by like reference characters in all the figures of the drawings.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, it will be seen that the apparatus comprises an inelosing frame of rectangular shape and formed of opposite longitudinal side sections A and transverse end sections B. Each longitudinal side of the frame is preferably composed of two sections arranged in longitudinal alinementand having their adjacent ends 1 and 2, respectively, spaced apart, whereby a transverse side exit-passage 3 is provided intermediate of the ends of the frame. Also the adjacent ends of the sides of the frame and the end sections thereof are spaced apart, so as to provide corner exit-passages at.

Each of the frame-sections is formed from a single length of wood or suitable material, having a flat base 5, as indicated in Fig. 2 of the drawings, so that the section may rest evenly upon the ground. The adjacent ends 1 and 2 of the side sections are preferably square, so as to provide a straight exit-passage, and the adjacent ends of the side sections and end sections are beveled in opposite directions, as at 6, so as to diverge toward the inner side of the sections, whereby the corner exit-passages l have a comparatively wide entrance.

The adjacent spaced ends-of the several sections are adapted to be connected together, as shown in Fig. 3, by means of pins 7, driven through the respective ends of the sections and into the ground a suflicient distance to firmly hold the frame in position. The upper ends 8 of the pins are adapted to project above the upper faces of the sections and engage the ends of a suitable arch 9, which bridges the exit-passage between the sections. This arch is formed from a single casting of any desired ornamental shape, and the opposite ends thereof are provided with sockets 10, adapted to receive the upper projecting ends 8 of the pins '7, so as to hold the arch in place. It will be understood that each of the exit-passages is provided with an arch in a similar manner.

The inner Wall of each frame-section is provided with a longitudinal groove 11, extending the entire length of the section, the ontrance into the groove being of less width than the diameter of the groove. Fitting in the groove is a pneumatic cushion 12, of greater diameter than the groove and having an inflating valve-stem 13 extending transversely through the frame-section, so that the cushion may be readily inflated. By reason of the contracted entrance into the groove 11 the opposite edges 14: thereof are adapted to bind into the cushion, and thereby hold the same in place without the employment of any additional fastening means, although the cushion may be cemented if desired.

In playing the improved game suitable balls 15 are employed, one of which corresponds to the cue-ball in a game of pool and is adapted to be struck by means of a suitable mallet. The rules of the game are similar to those used in a game of pool, the object being to drive all of the balls through any of the exit-passages 3 or i by striking the balls directly with the cue-ball or by caroming from the cushioned walls of the inclosing frame. It will now be understood that the pneumatic cushions 12 are provided so as to have a more 'reboundingeflect upon the balls than could be obtained from the dead-wood of the frame. By reference to Fig. 1 it will be seen that the opposite ends 16 of the cushions project beyond the respective ends of the frame-sections and into the exit-passages, so that the balls may not strike the sharp corners of the sections, but may be cushioned at any point of the inner wall of the inclosing frame.

It Will be understood that the arches bridging the exit-passages are adapted to form guides for aiding the player in placing a ball through any one of the passages, and the corner ends of the sections of the frame are beveled or inclined, as described, so as to locate the corner exit-passages diagonally of the frame to facilitate the passage of the balls through the said passages.

Changes in the form, proportion, size, and the minor details of construction within the scope of the appended claim may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention;

What I claim is- A game apparatus of the class described, comprising an inclosing frame formed of separate sections spaced apart to provide exit passages, pins or fastenings to be driven through the respective ends of the sections and into the ground, the upper ends of the pins projecting above the sections, and arches having sockets at their respective ends, said sockets detachably receiving the respective projecting ends of the fastening-pins, whereby the arches are held in position spanning the respective exit-passages, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature inthe presence of two witnesses.

FRANK G. SLEMMER.

Witnesses:

T. A. MALLALIEN, J. E. WALTER, Jr. 

